David Licauco is moving forward with his career while carrying nothing but appreciation for the people who helped shape his journey—including former onscreen partner Barbie Forteza.

The Kapuso leading man is widening his horizons after signing a series contract with Viva through its partnership with ALV Talent Circuit. The move gives Licauco opportunities to explore new projects outside his familiar territory while he continues his association with GMA Network’s Sparkle.

His latest career milestone also comes at a time when both Licauco and Forteza are carving out paths beyond the hugely successful tandem that turned them into one of television’s most talked-about pairings.

During his contract signing, Licauco was asked about Forteza’s recent remarks praising Khalil Ramos, whom she described as her “ideal leading man.”

“Khalil is the ideal leading man… Finally, nagkaroon na ako ng leading man na maayos,” Forteza said. She also called Ramos “an actor’s actor” and praised the professionalism and gentlemanly behavior he brings to their work.

Rather than view the statement as a comparison, Licauco chose to focus on the years he and Forteza shared as colleagues.

“I’m just really grateful for four years na magkasama kami. Marami kaming pinagsamahan, marami kaming shows na nagawa. We hang out together, we work together, so I’m just really grateful sa partnership namin,” he said.

Licauco also expressed admiration for Forteza as a performer and wished her continued success.

“I’m all praise for her kasi napakagaling niyang actor, and I wish her well.”

Whether their popular tandem could eventually reunite on screen remains uncertain. For now, Licauco noted that they are pursuing separate opportunities.

“I’m not so sure. As you can see, we’re doing solo. As you can see, kaya ako andito ngayon sa Viva Films, while she’s also doing a lot of things. Ang dami niyang projects ngayon. I’m proud of her, and iyon talaga ang gusto niyang gawin,” he explained.

Licauco also dismissed suggestions that Forteza’s remarks had created tension between them.

“Okay naman. I think we’re okay,” he said.

He likewise had positive words for Ramos, revealing that the two have had friendly conversations whenever they cross paths at GMA.

“Totoo naman si Khalil, napakabait naman talaga niyang tao. Kahit ako, gusto ko siya. Kapag nakikita ko siya sa GMA, we talk for 15 to 20 minutes. He’s really a nice person, and for sure iyon din ang naging perception ni Barbie.”

As far as Forteza naming Ramos her ideal leading man is concerned, Licauco said she is entitled to her own assessment.

“It’s okay. That’s her opinion.”

The conversation also prompted Licauco to reflect on his own growth as a professional. He acknowledged that his early years in the business included moments when he still had much to learn, particularly when it came to arriving on time for work.

“Maybe I’m not perfect. There were times that I was late sa tapings. But the fact na tumagal ang love team at ang pinagsamahan namin, hindi na ako naging late. In terms of acting, okay naman. May awards naman ako,” he said.

That willingness to recognize his shortcomings comes after years of steadily building a career that began long before he became known as a television leading man.

Licauco first entered the entertainment world through commercial modeling, working on advertisements, runway shows and magazine features before eventually pursuing acting. His early screen credits included The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin, FlordeLiza, Ipaglaban Mo!, Magpakailanman and Karelasyon.

A bigger opportunity arrived when he was cast as Malik in Mulawin vs. Ravena in 2017. He later expanded his film résumé with projects such as Because I Love You, Without You, G! LU, That Kind of Love and Samahan ng mga Makasalanan.

His television career continued through Heartful Café, Maging Sino Ka Man and Pulang Araw, but his portrayal of Fidel in Maria Clara at Ibarrabecame a major turning point.

The historical fantasy drama not only introduced Licauco to a much wider audience but also transformed his pairing with Forteza into the phenomenon popularly known as BarDa. His performance as Fidel brought him acting recognition, including supporting actor honors from several award-giving bodies.

Licauco has since ventured beyond acting as well, entering music with his debut single “I Think I Love You” in 2025.

Now, his agreement with Viva and ALV Talent Circuit presents another opportunity to reinvent himself.

While the partnership with Forteza will remain an important part of Licauco’s career story, the actor appears ready to discover what he can accomplish on his own—taking on different characters, working with new collaborators and establishing an identity beyond a successful love team.

And as Forteza similarly explores a new phase of her career, Licauco seems content to cheer her on from his own lane.

“I’m proud of her,” he said.